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This Gluten-Free Irish Lamb Stew features tender chunks of lamb, bacon, and fresh veggies in a savory broth. Inspired by traditional recipes, it’s hearty, savory, and oh-so comforting!
![Irish Lamb Stew (One-Pot Recipe) - Cotter Crunch (1) Irish Lamb Stew (One-Pot Recipe) - Cotter Crunch (1)](https://i0.wp.com/www.cottercrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/2-Irish-Lamb-Stew-with-Bacon-4-scaled.jpg)
Table Of Contents
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- What is Irish Lamb Stew?
- Why is Irish Stew Different?
- What is the Best Cut of Lamb for Stew?
- Ingredients You Need
- How to Make One-Pot Irish Lamb Stew
- Serving Suggestions
- Common Questions About This Irish Lamb Stew Recipe
- More Gluten-Free Soups and Stews
What is Irish Lamb Stew?
Irish lamb stew is a hearty stew recipe featuring chunks of lamb, vegetables, and broth. Many traditional recipes feature Guinness beer to add a rich flavor.
However, to keep this Irish stew recipe gluten-free, we swapped the Guinness with white wine and bacon. You still get the rich, slightly smokey flavor with none of the gluten!
Personal Note – Born and raised in New Zealand (with a father who is also part Irish), my husband grew up enjoying lamb chops and lamb stew. This particular Lamb stew recipe is one of his favorite dishes! Whenever I make this dish, it reminds him of home. Which makes me happy because he’s happy!
Why is Irish Stew Different?
The primary difference between Irish stew and traditional stew is the type of meat used. Unlike classic beef stew recipes, Irish stew is made with lamb.
![Irish Lamb Stew (One-Pot Recipe) - Cotter Crunch (2) Irish Lamb Stew (One-Pot Recipe) - Cotter Crunch (2)](https://i0.wp.com/www.cottercrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/2-Irish-Lamb-Stew-with-Bacon-5-scaled.jpg)
Traditionally, it was made with mutton, a cheap cut of meat. Combined with fresh, budget-friendly vegetables it was meant to be a filling, affordable dish.
What is the Best Cut of Lamb for Stew?
We prefer to use lamb loin or boneless lamb shoulder, which tend to be the most tender portions of lamb. However, you can also use boneless leg of lamb or any other well-marbled lamb pieces.
Is Lamb Good For You?
If you’ve never had lamb, you’ve been missing out! Not only does it have a unique savory, slightly sweet flavor, but lamb isalso highly nutrient dense making it a nutritious choice of protein. For instance, it:
- Contains all nine essential amino acids.
- Contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a type of fat that can help reduce body fat mass.
- Is rich in vitamin B12.
- Is a good source of selenium, zinc, niacin, phosphorus, and iron.
Pro Tip – Did you know lamb is lower in fat than beef and easier to digest?
Ingredients You Need
Below is an overview of the ingredients and instructions for this recipe. Scroll down to the recipe card below for the complete details and nutrition information!
![Irish Lamb Stew (One-Pot Recipe) - Cotter Crunch (3) Irish Lamb Stew (One-Pot Recipe) - Cotter Crunch (3)](https://i0.wp.com/www.cottercrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/updated-Irish-Lamb-Stew-with-Bacon-scaled.jpg)
- Uncured Bacon – Feel free to use turkey bacon if preferred. The stew just won’t be quite as rich and flavorful. .
- Lamb – You’ll need 1 ¼ to 2 pounds of lamb for this recipe.
- Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour – This helps sear the lamb, locking in moisture and creating a flavorful crust.
- Aromatics – White or yellow onions and fresh garlic add a pungent sweet and tangy taste.
- Stock – Feel free to use either chicken stock, beef stock, or vegetable stock as the base of the broth.
- Sugar – Although optional, just a pinch helps balance out the savoriness of the dish.
- Veggies – Carrots, celery, and Yukon gold potatoes add volume, texture, and nutrients.
Note: Yukon golden potatoes are different from other potatoes such as Russet potatoes as they have a slightly lower starch content, a tender texture, and a buttery flavor.
- White Wine – Used to enhance the flavor.
- Seasonings – Salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and bay leaves enhance the savoriness of the dish.
How to Make One-Pot Irish Lamb Stew
- Sauté the bacon. Heat a large stock pot or Dutch oven over medium to medium-high heat on the stove. Add the bacon, and sauté until it is browned. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a bowl or plate, and leave the leftover fat in the pot.
- Season the lamb. Sprinkle both sides of the lamb with salt and pepper. Then, toss it in flour, coating it evenly.
![Irish Lamb Stew (One-Pot Recipe) - Cotter Crunch (4) Irish Lamb Stew (One-Pot Recipe) - Cotter Crunch (4)](https://i0.wp.com/www.cottercrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/updated-Irish-Lamb-Stew-with-Bacon-2-scaled.jpg)
![Irish Lamb Stew (One-Pot Recipe) - Cotter Crunch (5) Irish Lamb Stew (One-Pot Recipe) - Cotter Crunch (5)](https://i0.wp.com/www.cottercrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/updated-Irish-Lamb-Stew-with-Bacon-3-scaled.jpg)
- Brown the lamb. Add the lamb pieces to the pot with the bacon grease, and sear it on all sides. Remove it from the pot, and set it aside.
- Sauté. Add the onion to the pot, and sauté until fragrant. Then, add the minced garlic, and cook over medium heat. Next, add part of the broth, and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Simmer. Add the bacon, lamb, broth, and sugar, if using, to the pot, and stir to combine. Cover, and simmer.
![Irish Lamb Stew (One-Pot Recipe) - Cotter Crunch (6) Irish Lamb Stew (One-Pot Recipe) - Cotter Crunch (6)](https://i0.wp.com/www.cottercrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/updated-Irish-Lamb-Stew-with-Bacon-5-scaled.jpg)
![Irish Lamb Stew (One-Pot Recipe) - Cotter Crunch (7) Irish Lamb Stew (One-Pot Recipe) - Cotter Crunch (7)](https://i0.wp.com/www.cottercrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/updated-Irish-Lamb-Stew-with-Bacon-4-scaled.jpg)
Pro-Tip: Feel free to add more broth or water to adjust the thickness of the soup to your liking.
- Add the remaining ingredients. Stir in the carrots, celery, potatoes, white wine, thyme, and bay leaf.
Pro-Tip: Make sure the potatoes are mostly submerged in the broth to ensure they become tender!
- Boil. Bring the ingredients to a light boil. Then, reduce the heat to low, and allow the pot to simmer uncovered until the potatoes are tender and the lamb reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
![Irish Lamb Stew (One-Pot Recipe) - Cotter Crunch (8) Irish Lamb Stew (One-Pot Recipe) - Cotter Crunch (8)](https://i0.wp.com/www.cottercrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/updated-Irish-Lamb-Stew-with-Bacon-7-scaled.jpg)
![Irish Lamb Stew (One-Pot Recipe) - Cotter Crunch (9) Irish Lamb Stew (One-Pot Recipe) - Cotter Crunch (9)](https://i0.wp.com/www.cottercrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/updated-Irish-Lamb-Stew-with-Bacon-8-scaled.jpg)
- Serve. Remove the bay leaf, season to taste, and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
This Irish lamb stew recipe can easily be served on its own. However, it’s often enjoyed over mashed potatoes. You can never go wrong with a loaf of gluten-free Irish soda bread or gluten-free dinner rolls, either!
![Irish Lamb Stew (One-Pot Recipe) - Cotter Crunch (10) Irish Lamb Stew (One-Pot Recipe) - Cotter Crunch (10)](https://i0.wp.com/www.cottercrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/2-Irish-Lamb-Stew-with-Bacon-7-scaled.jpg)
Common Questions About This Irish Lamb Stew Recipe
What is a traditional Irish stew called?
Traditional Irish stew recipes are referred to as Stobhach or Stobhach Gaelach.
How long does this recipe last?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes! Once cooled, you can transfer leftovers to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to six months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. We like to make large batches to keep on hand!
What else can I add to this recipe?
Some people like to include additional root vegetables such as turnips or parsnips. You can also garnish your stew with fresh thyme or fresh parsley to add bright, refreshing notes.
More of Our Favorite
More Gluten-Free Soups and Stews
- Mexican Sweet Potato Beef Stew
- African Peanut Stew
- Instant Pot Vegetable Soup with Bacon
- Creamy Vegan Mushroom Soup
Irish Lamb Stew (One-Pot Recipe)
5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star
4.9 from 8 reviews
- Author: Lindsay Cotter
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Prepare this gluten-free Irish lamb stew recipe in a single pot with simple ingredients and for a hearty comfort food full of flavor and nutrients!
Ingredients
Units Scale
- 6 ounces uncured bacon, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 ½ to 2 pounds lamb loin or boneless lamb shoulder, cut into 1 ½ to 2 inch pieces
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 Tablespoons gluten free all-purpose flour
- 1 medium onion, chopped (~1 cup)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
- 3 ½ to 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 1 cup peeled and chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 pound golden Yukon potatoes, quartered or chopped
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Place the diced bacon in a large stock pot or dutch oven. Sauté the bacon over medium to medium-high heat until it has browned and the fat is released. With a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a bowl or plate. Leave the remaining bacon fat in the pot.
- Season the lamb pieces with salt and pepper. Toss the lamb in a bowl with the flour and gently stir to coat the lamb.
- Brown the lamb in the bacon fat over medium heat about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Then, transfer the lamb to the plate of bacon.
- Sauté the onion until it is fragrant or about 2 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. Add ¼ cup broth and scrape the bottom of the pan to deglaze.
- Place the bacon, lamb, remaining broth, and optional sugar in the pot, and stir to combine. Cover the pot, and simmer the ingredients for 30 to 35 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, stir in the carrots, celery, potatoes, white wine, thyme and bay leaf, making sure the potatoes are mostly submerged in the broth.
- Bring the ingredients to a light boil then reduce the heat to low and let the pot simmer, covered, for an additional 20 to 25 minutes. When done, the potatoes and lamb will be very tender, and the internal temperature of the lamb should reach a minimum of 145 F degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove the bay leaf, and season the stew with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
- Store cooled stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Notes
Cooking Tips – Add more broth or water to adjust the thickness of the stew. Add more or less salt and seasonings to suit your palate as well.
Storage Tips – Freeze stew in airtight containers or resealable freezer bags for up to 6 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: dinner
- Method: stove top
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 323
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 598.9 mg
- Fat: 12.7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 16.7 g
- Fiber: 3.1 g
- Protein: 33.9 g
- Cholesterol: 97.4 mg
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